It's just as described - a small private room with shared toilets (close by in my case) and downstairs is the small onsen with showers. There was never anyone else there at the same time as me. The onsen (men and women separate) itself is small but relaxing - one small outdoor wooden tub an an indoor pool that is bigger. The TV in the room was modern and the aircon worked well. The mattress was softer than I expected though. I think there's normal seating in the communal area, I've never used it though. Owners and staff are very kind and polite. Very good location and great value for money.

So to shower or use the onsen you have to go there during the opening hours in the morning or evening (probably long enough for most people). The hotel itself also has a curfew, I believe at 23:00. Probably not ideal for night-owls unless you can adapt a bit. In the room, there is no chair of course because this is Japanese style where you're supposed to sit on the floor.

My stay at Minshuku Iwatakan was a delightful immersion into the beauty of Takayama. The traditional Japanese ambiance of the inn was captivating, providing an authentic experience. The hospitality of the staff was exceptional; they were warm, attentive, and went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable. The rooms were cozy, impeccably clean, and offered a serene view of the surrounding nature. The home-cooked meals served were a true highlight, showcasing local flavors and culinary expertise. The inn's proximity to the town's attractions made it a convenient and serene base for exploring Takayama. I left feeling refreshed and grateful for the authentic and enriching experience. A definite recommendation for anyone seeking a taste of traditional Japanese hospitality!

I loved the private onsen experience and the fact that the building was truly authentic and beautiful. The rooms are super welcoming.

There is only one shower for women that for the late afternoon/evening becomes everybody’s onsen. This means that you may need to wait a long time for taking a shower which i did not like.

nice onsen which you could use privately in the evening, yukatas to wear around the property and nice owners. all very clean too

was a little bit out of the way but still really only 20 min from the station

The Onsen was great, it had the traditional Ryokan mats and experience.

The location is a bit far from the station and food in town, but they do offer a free shuttle, so that's on us for wanting to walk.

The structure is very nice, we loved it! Cozy atmosphere, typical of a Japanese Ryokan. There are two private onsen that can be used by the guests.

There were Yukata available for guests but nobody told me!

Good location, free pick up service, free bikes

Shared toilet and washstands down the hall. Only shower is in communal onsen. The onsen is very nice, but off course it goed with a lack of privacy

I loved the friendly atmosphere, the onsen and the traditional-style room.

Im probably not used to it but the pillow was really too hard.

The onsen was great

Nothing

Bus service to the train station, we had a lot of luggage.